[Federal Register: January 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 21)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 4892-4897]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31ja03-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-43-AD; Amendment 39-13039; AD 2003-03-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas
Transport Category Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to various Boeing and McDonnell Douglas transport category
airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
to advise the flightcrew to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate
step when the cabin altitude warning horn sounds. This action is
necessary to prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of
oxygen, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective March 7, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Information pertaining to this AD may be examined at the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Boeing Airplane Models: Don Eiford,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2788; fax (425) 227-1181.
McDonnell Douglas Airplane Models: Joe Hashemi, Aerospace Engineer,
Flight Test Branch, ANM-160L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone (562) 627-5380; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to various Boeing and McDonnell
Douglas transport category airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on June 26, 2002 (67 FR 43058). That action proposed to
require revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to advise the
flightcrew to don oxygen masks as a first and immediate step when the
cabin altitude warning horn sounds.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposed AD
One commenter supports the proposed AD, and another commenter
states that it has surveyed its fleet and is already in compliance with
the proposed AD.
Request To Expand Applicability of Proposed AD
One commenter notes an inconsistency in the proposed AD. In the
preamble of the proposed AD, the FAA states that appropriate
instructions for donning emergency oxygen masks are already contained
in the AFM for Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and ``900 series
airplanes. Thus, those airplanes are not included in the applicability
of the proposed AD. The commenter points out, however, that the AFM for
Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -800, and -900 series airplanes contains
wording similar to that in the AFM for Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and
-500 series airplanes, which are included in the applicability of the
proposed AD. The commenter also notes that the AFM for Boeing Model
757-300 series airplanes does not address the donning of crew oxygen
masks during rapid depressurization, although the proposed AD states
that the AFMs for 757 series airplanes contain appropriate instructions
for donning oxygen masks. The commenter asks that we review all AFMs
again to ensure that the AFM contains appropriate instructions.
We partially concur with the commenter's request. Where we state in
the proposed AD that the AFMs for certain models already contain
appropriate instructions for the donning of oxygen masks, we should
have stated that either the AFM or the airplane operations manual (AOM)
contains appropriate instructions for the donning of oxygen masks. For
the models identified by the commenter, the AOM contains appropriate
instructions for donning oxygen masks. For this reason, those airplanes
were not included in the applicability of the proposed AD.
We acknowledge the commenter's concerns. Thus, we have repeated the
[[Page 4893]]
review of AFMs of all airplanes that were not included in the proposed
AD because correct instructions exist in the AOM. We are planning
additional rulemaking to revise the AFMs for all airplane models that
have inadequate instructions for donning oxygen masks.
The FAA does not agree that it is necessary to repeat the review of
the AFMs for all transport category airplanes to ensure that
instructions for donning oxygen masks are adequate. As we stated
previously, the models identified by the commenter are all airplanes
for which adequate instructions for donning oxygen masks are included
in the AOM. As this is a specific and finite group of airplanes, and we
have repeated the review of AFMs for this group, we find that it is
unnecessary to repeat the review of the AFMs for all transport category
airplanes. No change to this final rule is necessary in this regard.
Revise Figure 5 of Proposed AD
One commenter requests that we revise Figure 5 of the proposed AD,
which contains revised AFM wording for McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10,
-20, -30, -40, and -50 series airplanes. The commenter requests that
the wording ``If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds'' be changed to
``If a cabin altitude warning occurs.'' The commenter's rationale is
that not all DC-9 series airplanes have a cabin altitude warning horn.
The commenter also requests that the words ``crew oxygen mask'' be
revised to ``crew oxygen masks'' to match the wording of the original
AFM.
We concur and have revised Figure 5 of this final rule accordingly.
Request To Omit Certain Wording From Other Documents
One commenter states that it finds the new AFM wording within the
proposed AD acceptable and will revise its AFMs accordingly. However,
in view of the deletion of the references to 14,000-feet altitude, the
commenter requests that we not include references to 14,000 feet
altitude in supplementary or separate AFM checklists or other
documents. The commenter states no rationale for its request.
We acknowledge the commenter's request and will take steps to
ensure that supplemental or separate AFM revisions do not contain the
wording specified by the commenter. No change to this final rule is
needed in this regard.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 7,077 airplanes (5,178 Boeing airplanes and
1,899 McDonnell Douglas airplanes) of the affected designs in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 3,479 airplanes (2,392 Boeing
airplanes and 1,087 McDonnell Douglas airplanes) of U.S. registry will
be affected by this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per
airplane to accomplish the required AFM revision, at an average labor
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $208,740, or $60 per
airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2003-03-15 Transport Category Airplanes: Amendment 39-13039. Docket
2002-NM-43-AD.
Applicability: The airplanes listed in Table 1 of this AD,
certificated in any category:
Table 1.--Affected Airplane Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane manufacturer Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing............................ 707 series airplanes
720 series airplanes
727 series airplanes
737-100 series airplanes
737-200 series airplanes
737-200C series airplanes
737-300 series airplanes
737-400 series airplanes
737-500 series airplanes
747-100 series airplanes
747-100B series airplanes
747-100B SUD series airplanes
747-200B series airplanes
747-200F series airplanes
747-200C series airplanes
747-300 series airplanes
747SR series airplanes
747SP series airplanes
-----------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas................. DC-8-11 airplanes
DC-8-12 airplanes
DC-8-21 airplanes
DC-8-31 airplanes
DC-8-32 airplanes
DC-8-33 airplanes
DC-8-41 airplanes
DC-8-42 airplanes
DC-8-43 airplanes
DC-8-51 airplanes
DC-8-52 airplanes
DC-8-53 airplanes
DC-8F-54 airplanes
DC-8-55 airplanes
[[Page 4894]]
DC-8F-55 airplanes
DC-8-61 airplanes
DC-8-61F airplanes
DC-8-62 airplanes
DC-8-62F airplanes
DC-8-63 airplanes
DC-8-63F airplanes
DC-8-71 airplanes
DC-8-71F airplanes
DC-8-72 airplanes
DC-8-72F airplanes
DC-8-73 airplanes
DC-8-73F airplanes
DC-9-11 airplanes
DC-9-12 airplanes
DC-9-13 airplanes
DC-9-14 airplanes
DC-9-15 airplanes
DC-9-15F airplanes
DC-9-21 airplanes
DC-9-31 airplanes
DC-9-32 airplanes
DC-9-32 (VC-9C) airplanes
DC-9-32F airplanes
DC-9-32F airplanes (C-9A, C-9B)
DC-9-33F airplanes
DC-9-34 airplanes
DC-9-34F airplanes
DC-9-41airplanes
DC-9-51 airplanes
DC-9-81 (MD-81) airplanes
DC-9-82 (MD-82) airplanes
DC-9-83 (MD-83) airplanes
DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes
MD-88 airplanes
MD-90-30 airplanes
DC-10-10 airplanes
DC-10-10F airplanes
DC-10-15 airplanes
DC-10-30 airplanes
DC-10-30F airplanes
DC-10-30F (KC-10A, KDC-10) airplanes
DC-10-40 airplanes
DC-10-40F airplanes
MD-10-10F airplanes
MD-10-30F airplanes
MD-11 airplanes
MD-11F airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent incapacitation of the flightcrew due to lack of
oxygen, which could result in loss of control of the airplane,
accomplish the following:
Revision to the Airplane Flight Manual
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: For the
applicable airplane models listed in the ``For--'' column of Table 2
of this AD, revise the procedures regarding donning oxygen masks in
the event of rapid depressurization, as contained in the Emergency
Procedures section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM),
by replacing the text in the ``Replace--'' column of Table 2 of this
AD with the information in the applicable figure referenced in the
``With the Information In--'' column of Table 2 of this AD. This may
be accomplished by recording the AD number of this AD on the
applicable figure and inserting it into the AFM. Table 2 and Figures
1 through 9 follow:
Table 2.--AFM Revisions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the information
For-- Replace-- in--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 707, 720, and 727 series airplanes ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION Figure 1 of this AD.
...................................
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%
ALL''
------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (With Figure 2 of this AD.
airplanes airplane altitude above 14,000
feet M.S.L.)
...................................
PRIMARY
...................................
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON,
100%''
------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Model 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 747-100, 747- ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (With Figure 3 of this AD.
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-200C, airplane altitude above 14,000
747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes feet M.S.L.)
...................................
RECALL
...................................
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON,
100%''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC- ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION Figure 4 of this AD.
8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-43, Phase I and II
DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, DC-8F-54 DC-8-55, DC-8F- Crew oxygen mask--ON''
55, DC-8-61, DC-8-61F, DC-8-62, DC-8-62F, DC-8-63,
DC-8-63F, DC-8-71, DC-8-71F, DC-8-72, DC-8-72F, DC-8-
73, and DC-8-73F airplanes
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC- ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY Figure 5 of this AD.
9-14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DESCENT
DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC- ...................................
9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and DC-9-51 Phase I and II
airplanes ...................................
Manual Pressurization Control--
FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
...................................
Note: Manual Pressurization control
forces may be high, apply forces
as required
...................................
Crew Oxygen Masks--ON''
------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 4895]]
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD- ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY Figure 6 of this AD.
82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 DESCENT
airplanes ...................................
Phase I and II
...................................
Manual Pressurization Control --
FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
...................................
Note: Manual Pressurization control
forces may be high, apply forces
as required
...................................
Crew Oxygen Masks--ON/EMERGENCY/
100%''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 airplanes ``RAPID DECOMPRESSION Figure 7 of this AD.
...................................
OXY MASKS--ON/100%/EMERGENCY''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10- ``RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY Figure 8 of this AD.
15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A, KDC-10), DESCENT
DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes Recall
...................................
Cabin
OUTFLOW VALVE--VERIFY CLOSED (CLOSE
ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY IF NOT
CLOSED)
...................................
Oxygen Masks -- 100% (if
required)''
------------------------------------------------------
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, ``CABIN ALTITUDE Figure 9 of this AD.
and MD-11F airplanes ...................................
Memory Item
...................................
Outflow Valve--Verify Closed''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figure 1.--For Boeing Model 707, 720, and 727 Series Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%, ALL''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 2.--For Boeing Model 737-100, -200, and -200C Series Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
PRIMARY
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 3.--For Boeing Model 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-300, 747SR, and
747SP Series Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
RECALL
Oxygen Masks & Regulators--ON, 100%''
[[Page 4896]]
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 4.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC-8-
31, DC-8-32, DC-8-33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, DC-8-43, DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-
8-53, DC-8F-54, DC-8-55, DC-8F-55, DC-8-61, DC-8-61F, DC-8-62, DC-8-
62F, DC-8-63, DC-8-63F, DC-8-71, DC-8-71F, DC-8-72, DC-8-72F, DC-8-73,
and DC-8-73F Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION
Phase I and II
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Crew oxygen mask--ON''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 5.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-
14, DC-9-15, DC-9-15F, DC-9-21, DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-
9-32F, DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B), DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, DC-9-41, and
DC-9-51 Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY DESCENT
Phase I and II
If a cabin altitude warning occurs:
Crew Oxygen Masks--ON
Manual Pressurization Control--FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
Note: Manual Pressurization control forces may be high, apply forces as
required.''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 6.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-
82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DECOMPRESSION/EMERGENCY DESCENT
Phase I and II
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Crew Oxygen Mask--ON/EMERGENCY/100%
Manual Pressurization Control--FULL FORWARD AND MANUALLY LOCKED
Note: Manual Pressurization control forces may be high, apply forces as
required.''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 7.--For McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 Airplanes
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DECOMPRESSION
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
[sbull] OXY MASKS--ON/100%/EMERGENCY''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 8.--For McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15,
DC-10-30, DC-10-30F, DC-10-30F (KC-10A, KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-
40F Airplanes:
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
[[Page 4897]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION/EMERGENCY DESCENT
Recall
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Oxygen Masks--100%
Cabin
OUTFLOW VALVE--VERIFY CLOSED (CLOSE ELECTRICALLY OR MANUALLY IF NOT
CLOSED)''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Figure 9.--For McDonnell Douglas Model MD-10-10F, MD-10-30F, MD-11, and
MD-11F Airplanes:
Insert the information in this figure into the ``Emergency
Procedures'' section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
``CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR CABIN ALTITUDE
If the cabin altitude warning horn sounds:
Memory Item
Oxygen Masks--ON/100%/EMERGENCY
Outflow Valve--Verify Closed''
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the steps under this heading in the AFM are
unchanged.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA; or the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA; as
applicable. Operators shall submit their requests through an
appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments
and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO, or Los Angeles ACO, as
applicable.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO or the Los Angeles ACO, as applicable.
Special Flight Permits
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Effective Date
(d) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-2147 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am]
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